Sumners Ponds Fishery

Set in beautiful, tranquil countryside just 10 miles from Horsham in West Sussex, Sumners Ponds is an excellent example of how diversification from traditional farming can provide great fishing on natural-looking waters. Since starting to develop the fishery about 20 years ago, owner Simon Smith has created a delightful venue which offers 10 acres of fishing on four spring-fed waters; camping and caravanning facilities on dedicated areas as well as on the field which overlooks Sumners Lake; and an anglers’ shop, cafeteria and lounge area next to Sumners Lake.

Well established holiday venue with Fishing

Outside, wildlife conservation areas and attractive walkways have been created through woods and fields which form part of the farm. There are three camping areas, Bluebell Park, Ribbon Park and the lakeside Sumners Park which offer a total of 91 pitches, most of which have electric hook-ups. Fifty-three of these are hard standing pitches, 38 are grass and nine are premium angling pitches, each of which has it’s own dedicated swim suitable for two anglers. In peak times it is often possible to accommodate tents in the overflow camping field although this does not have electric hook-ups.

A perfect holiday destination for fishing and families!

Bluebell Park has a young children’s play area and is particularly suitable for families as it is adjacent to the woodland walk and cycle paths. Ribbon Park, the new addition to Sumners Ponds, is situated between Farm Pond and Ribbon Lake and is ideal for anglers and campers of all ages with the added benefit of having running water available for each individual pitch. The new site is well-positioned for access to the woodland walks and cycle routes around the farm. The Sumners Park lakeside camping area with its premium pitches is more suited to those wishing to fish.

The cafe/fishing lodge at Sumners PondsWell behaved dogs are welcome on all camping areas at no extra charge. Non-angling visitors are also welcome at no extra charge although they should park cars in the car park.

Great food and drinks

The Reception, Visitor Centre and licensed Cafeteria by the lake is open during peak and High Season times from 8.30am until 6.00pm every day from Sunday through to Thursday and until 9.00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It offers a three-course menu during the school holiday periods and a Bar Menu during the spring and autumn months. During the day visitors can enjoy a full English breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea on the deck overlooking the lake in summer – or a bowl of warming home-made soup inside during the winter. All meals can be provided on an eat-in or take-away basis at all times.

In the shop, bait – including live bait – and fishing tackle plus a small range of groceries, camping accessories and essential items are available for anglers and campers whilst TV connection cables which provide five channels can be hired from Reception. Wireless Internet connections are available for laptop computers in the chalet or on the decking seating area whilst all three camping areas have two high quality WC and shower blocks, two with wash-up areas attached. A laundry area is also situated on Bluebell Park with tokens obtainable from the shop.

The Match Lake

The three-and-a-half acre landscaped match lake provides prolific fishing for barbel, chub, carp, crucians, tench and roach. Primarily designed for match anglers, this water is already providing great sport for day ticket visitors and club matches. Anglers wishing to fish the lake should check availability with the bailiff before starting to fish. Since opening in Spring 2005, catches from this mixed lake have surprised anglers with match weights coming in at up to 250lbs on average. Growth rates are said to have been astonishing with the mirrors already averaging between 9lbs and 12lbs, the tench and bream 3lbs and the barbel between 3lbs ad 6lbs.

Sumners Ponds Fishery has few rules although anglers are requested to use only one kilo of groundbait at a session and to use an unhooking mat for the larger fish. A good sized landing net is also recommended. New match rules have been drawn up and are available on request. In addition to day-ticket angling, a range of membership options are available for anglers who want to night fish the waters.

Whether it is fishing for carp which are exceeding 30lbs, pleasure fishing for tench, roach, rudd, chub, perch or bream, or taking part in matches on the new match-cum-pleasure lake which should mature to rank amongst the best in the area – Sumners Ponds is a fishery which is well worth a visit.